They received an at-large bid to the 2010 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, earning a 6 seed in the Midwest Region.

In the regional semifinal they defeated 2 seed and AP #5 Ohio State to advance to the first Elite Eight in school history.

Philip Jurick did not return to the team and Daniel West did not have his scholarship extended due to being academically ineligible.

[3] On October 28, 2009, senior guard Josh Tabb, who was indefinitely suspended on September 18, returned to Illinois in order to care after his ailing mother.

[5] On January 1, 2010, Tyler Smith, Cameron Tatum, Brian Williams, and Melvin Goins were arrested for weapons charges and marijuana possession.